Debra Standridge, President of Wheaton’s North Market, accepted the award before 1,100 hospital supporters participating in the day’s activities. The award is presented to one hospital each year that exemplifies dedication to grassroots advocacy.

Standridge said she was honored to accept the award on behalf of the hospital’s Board of Directors and the physicians, nurses, associates and volunteers, but she recognized all Wisconsin hospitals for their advocacy efforts.

“We know we have a strong collective voice that is being heard and it is gaining traction in the state capitol. We are more than ready to continue those vital conversations with our legislators,” Standridge said in accepting the award. “We are anxious to be supporting the priorities that are essential to Wisconsin’s hospitals as we continue to deliver the care we know makes a difference every day in our patients’ lives.”

Over the past year, the hospital’s advocates have regularly contacted, hosted and met with their elected officials to discuss important health care issues, including advocating for improvements in Wisconsin’s Medicaid program. They have traveled to Washington, DC with WHA multiple times to make certain legislators are aware of how federal issues impact the hospital and local community.

“Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare, with Deb’s great leadership, has been a dedicated partner to advancing positive health care policy in Madison and Washington, DC, ,” said Jenny Boese, WHA vice president, federal affairs & advocacy. “It has been a privilege to work alongside their entire team and they are well-deserving of this honor.”